Afghanistan: The Nature and Pace of Afghanistan’s Economic Growth in Last Two Decades

Feb 22, 2020 | Mohammad Zahir Akbari, Outlook Afghanistan
View Original

Despite notable progress since 2001, Afghanistan still faces many challenges and considered as one of the poorest countries in the world. More than half of the population lives below the poverty line, and many who are above the line are at risk of falling back into poverty. In addition to the ongoing war factor, Afghanistan has also suffered from natural disaster such as droughts and floods and caused numerous people leave their homeland area. The industrial productivities are also not in favorable condition due to multiple challenges such as power shortages, free market policies and infrastructural issues. The country’s main highway network is still undeveloped, and a crucial north–south link—the Salang Tunnel—is at the end of its useful life. Afghanistan depends heavily on traditional agriculture though it has developed about half of its potentially irrigated farmland.